A collection of walks, discoveries, insights and pictures of exploring Dartmoor National Park
July 31, 2025
Phillip Guy Stevens (illustrator of Crossing’s Guide to Dartmoor)
One of the earliest and most comprehensive documented guide’s of Dartmoor was written by the legendary William Crossing. In ‘Crossing’s Guide to Dartmoor’, William wrote specifically with the walker / rambler in mind. His guide was pre-motor car (and charabanc) at a time when the easiest form of transport to the area (or at least the fringes) was by the railways and was truly ground breaking. The guide was first published in 1909, and Crossing set out to provide the reader with not only physical and background information but also to provide social, historical and anecdotal references.
Crossing realised whilst writing his guide that it would benefit some visual content and the services of an illustrator was sought. Enter Philip Guy Stevens (P.G.S), a young man, who had been brought up in Princetown, who had attended Tavistock Grammar School and who had spend much of his formative years walking and camping on the moor, at times preferring to walk than take the train to school, thus being very acquainted with the moor. P.G.S had began painting with oils and watercolours, but after accepting Crossing’s commission had agreed that illustrations were to be in pen and ink (probably for ease of printing and to best illustrate hills and tors against a skyline). Crossing left P.G.S instructions by telegraph and it is said he would often walk to the appropriate location, make the sketch, before work.
P.G.S was born in 1883, so would have been in his early to mid 20’s when he completed the 68 sketches for Crossing’s Guide, across 12 districts, namely: Princetown and Two Bridges; Tavistock; Lydford; Okehampton; Chagford and Moreton; Bovey Tracey; Ashburton; Brent and Ivybridge; Plympton and Shaugh; Yelverton; Hexworthy; Postbridge. There is a 69th sketch, which Andrew Stevens has included on the front cover of his pocket guide (both editions), which records in a simple booklet, all the P.G.S sketches. In the last edition of the ‘Pocket Guide’, Andrew Stevens not only documents all the P.G.S sketches but also records a description of what each location looks like in the modern (circa 1994) era.
The author has been walking on Dartmoor for around 50 years and has been lucky during this modern era to have visited most corners of this fabulous National Park, with the motor car making visiting easy and the use of endless plethora of books, papers, blogs and on-line information being invaluable. The author felt that through his walking and rambling around the National Park, a great project for the Dartmoor Explorations website would be a nod to these aforementioned early 20th century recorders, illustrators and adventurers (Crossing and P.G.S) through photographically recording / re-creating the locations of sketches which had been produced some 120 years earlier
Bibliography
Andrew Stevens (1994) – A Pocket Guide to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR
William Crossing – Crossings Guide to Dartmoor (1912 editions)
Western Morning News (1944) – Obituary to P.G. Stevens
Dartmoor Chris – Pers. Conv.
The obituary to P.G. Stevens provides a summary of his adult life :
The death is announced of Mr. Philip Guy Stevens, late governor of H.M. Prisons at Shrewsbury and Norwich, at his home at Somerton, Somerset, at the age of 61. Born in London, Mr. Stevens always considered himself a native of Princetown, for he went there as a boy, his father being schoolmaster at the prison.
Mr. Stevens began a teaching career at Tavistock Grammar School, but in 1906 entered the prison service at Dartmoor as a clerk. He volunteered for military service during the last war [WW I] and served in France, being mentioned in dispatches.
After the war, he rejoined the staff at Dartmoor and in 1923 became steward of Swansea Prison. His appointment as governor of Shrewsbury Prison came in 1930, and after seven years there, he went to Norwich. He retired in 1939 on medical advice.
Mr. Stevens married one of the daughters of Mr. Aaron Rowe, late proprietor of the Duchy Hotel, Princetown. His widow, a son, and a daughter survive him.
Mr. Stevens was not only looked upon as one of the most successful governors of a prison, but was considered one of Dartmoor’s greatest scholars and explorers.
In connection with his work at Dartmoor Prison, it may be remembered that many years ago he wrote to “The Western Morning News” about a convict who was a talented writer. “The Western Morning News” and one or two Methodist papers accepted articles from the convict. This was typical of Mr. Stevens, who interested himself beyond measures in every individual case, and never really despaired of any man under his authority and care.1912 editions of Crossings Guide to Dartmoor – left was reprinted in 1993; right was reprinted in 1985The cover page of both the 1st and 2nd editions of ‘A pocket guide to the tors and hills of Dartmoor’. This sketch wasn’t published but is unique, insofar as it is the only drawing to have survivedThe sketch is rather dark, perhaps suggesting evening shadows.The cover page of the 2nd edition of ‘A pocket guide to the tors and hills of Dartmoor’Summary of ten P.G Stevens sketches from the Princetown and Two Bridges DistrictSketch (ref 1) by P.G Stevens from page 7 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’ (1st edition), titled ‘From Double Waters, looking S.W’. This is featured on page 90 of Crossing’s Guide.The view, taken from approx. SX575 725Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. The illustrators grandson explains that Double Waters is not named on modern OS Maps, but is a significant causeway after Devil’s Bridge on the B3212 Yelverton to Princetown road. He further states that Black Tor has a logan stone, but one that does not pivot easily and that the view is virtually unchanged in modern times. Sharp Tor appears on OS maps as Sharpitor and Lether Tor is now Leather TorSketch (ref 2) by P.G Stevens from page 7 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’ (1st edition), titled ‘Burrator Lake from Cramber Tor’. This is featured on page 98 of Crossing’s Guide.The view, taken from approx. SX583 712Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. Andrew Stevens explains: “Burrator Lake was the first water authority reservoir on Dartmoor, constructed to satisfy the growing demands of the expanding city of Plymouth, and fed by two tributary streams, the Newleycombe Lake and Narrator Brook, coming in on the left between Cramber Tor and Sheepstor. The granite dam across the river Meavy (Mewey) was raised in 1928, about 20 years after the sketch was drawn. The scene today has been radically altered by the growth of conifers planted in 1937, which almost surround the lake”.Sketch (ref 3) by P.G Stevens from page 8 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’ (1st edition), titled ‘Peat Cot from South Hisworthy Tor’. This is featured on page 103 of Crossing’s Guide.The view, taken from approx. SX597 723Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, the following is recorded: “Hisworthy is now Hessary, but the tor with its iron spike pointing skywards from the summit and the view from it looking south eastwards have changed little, apart from the Peat Cot dwellings being obscured by trees. The Devonport leat can be seen on the left following the contours in it carries its precious load towards Burrator Reservoir”.Sketch (ref 4) by P.G Stevens from page 8 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’ (1st edition), titled ‘From main road near New London’. This is featured on page 111 of Crossing’s Guide.The view, taken from approx. SX592 786Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, the description reads: “The main road is the B3212 which leaves Princetown Square for Two Bridges. New London is the housing development on the right. The last house on the left has been extended where previously there has been a courtyard, from which this sketch was probably made. The view faces roughly north-east with the main road on the right and the prison on the left. The only significant difference is that the top and left-hand side of Holming Beam is now afforested (Long Plantation)”.Sketch (ref 5) by P.G Stevens from page 9 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From above Wistman’s Wood’. This is featured on page 116 of Crossing’s Guide.The view, taken from the square SX6177Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, the description reads: “Wistman’s Wood is most easily approached up the West Dart Valley from Two Bridges. It is one of only three ancient oak woods on the open moor, and best known because of its folklore. It is a mysterious, atmospheric place with twisted trunks emerging from the granite clitter which is carpeted with bright green moss. Neither the wood nor the view have changed significantly this century. Just the northern end of the extensive Bairdown (now Beardown) Tors is depicted. Row Tor on the right is now spelt Rough”.Sketch (ref 6) by P.G Stevens from page 9 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From road about 100 yards from S, of Rundlestone’. This is featured on page 123 of Crossing’s Guide.The view, taken from approx. SX577 748Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, the description reads: “This view is looking roughly north, but the sketch uses considerable artistic licence, The (white) ground to the right of Mis Tor is Cocks Hill. The line contouring near the hill below Mis Tor is the prison leat, although now the open water course ends in a little holding reservoir in an enclosure to the north of the main Two Bridges / Tavistock road at its junction with the Princetown road”.Sketch (ref 7) by P.G Stevens from page 10 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘Looking N.N.E from Mis Tor’. This is featured on page 124 of Crossing’s Guide.The view, taken from approx. SX562 770Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, Andrew Stevens explains: “Great Mis Tor is an impressive and outstanding landmark from most directions. It is most easily approached from the main road at Rundlestone where a track leads out through the settlement enclosures to the open moor. It is just over eight miles ‘as the crow flies’ from Great Mis Tor to High Willes (now Willhays), and the sketch has left out some of the intermediary detail. Waternoke (written as two words now) is the area north of the River Tavy, below its junction with the Amicombe Brook at Sandy Ford “.Sketch (ref 8) by P.G Stevens from page 10 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘Looking N.E from Mis Tor’. This is featured on page 125 of Crossing’s Guide.The view, taken from approx. SX562 770Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it is recorded: “The view shown in the sketch has not visibly changed at all. The valley is that of the River Walkham which turns sharply left and runs up behind the nearest high ground (Cocks Hill), not named on the sketch. The distance from Mis Tor to Fur Tor is only just over four miles in a straight line – but a direct route is not practical because of the terrain between the two points”.Sketch (ref 9) by P.G Stevens from page 11 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Ashburton road beyond Two Bridges near Princehall Lodge’. This is featured on page 131 of Crossing’s Guide.The view, taken from approx. SX621 747Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it is recorded: “The building in the foreground is now part of Spaders Farm. The hill behind now supports considerable tree growth and this currently obscures Littaford and Longaford Tors beyond. The group of trees on the left of the sketch shows the location of Parson’s Cottage, which was in ruins at that time. Whitten Tor was also referred to by Crossing using its modern name Higher White Tor”.Sketch (ref 10) by P.G Stevens from page 11 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Ashburton road beyond Two Bridges near Princehall Lodge’. This is featured on page 131 of Crossing’s Guide. Note the ‘PGS’ initials in the bottom left of this sketchThe view, taken from approx. SX624 746Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it is recorded: “Prince Hall had been one of Dartmoor’s Ancient Tenements and is currently a hotel. The view from here is considerably different now due to the extensive conifer plantations which now surround Bellaford and Lough Tors (now Bellever and Laughter Tors). The far ridge of Hameldon (Hamel Down) can still just be seen above the tree line. The valley in the foreground carried the Muddilake Brook which joins the Cherry Brook just above Lower Cherrybrook Bridge (SX631748)”.Summary of seven P.G Stevens sketches from the Tavistock DistrictSketch (ref 11) by P.G Stevens from page 12 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Windy Post, looking N.E’. This is featured on page 148 of Crossing’s Guide.The view, taken from approx. SX533 741Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it is recorded: “Windy Post is the common name for the granite cross shown in the near foreground, dating back to the sixteenth century and which marks the ancient pathway across the moor, linking Chagford with Tavistock. The two lines on the right of the cross were leats. The upper one is now dry, but the lower one called Grimstone Leat, is still used and divides just beyond the cross. The two parts of Staple Tor are now separately named as Middle and Great Staple Tors”.Sketch (ref 12) by P.G Stevens from page 12 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Barn Hill, 1/4 M. north of Windy Post’. This is featured on page 148 of Crossing’s Guide.The view, taken from approx. SX534 746Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, Andrew Stevens states: “The horizontal line of poles in the middle foreground (in the sketch) marks the road from Princetown to Tavistock, now the B3357. These would have carried the telegraph line which have long since been removed. The two distinct parts of Staple Tor are clearly shown. Cocks Tor is particularly impressive when viewed from the west, since it is the first major feature to be seen after climbing Pork Hill out of Tavistock”.Sketch (ref 13) by P.G Stevens from page 13 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Gibbet Hill’. This is featured on page 158 of Crossing’s Guide.The view, taken from approx. SX503 811Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, Andrew Stevens states: “P.G.S. has taken some artistic licence in this drawing, bringing the features closer. The foreground is a broad expanse of uncultivated grassland. Bra Tor was originally Brattor and the current compromise Brat Tor! The steep sided valley of the River Lyd, from which now Noddon (Great Nodden) rises, marks the western edge of the granite rock. Nodden itself is largely composed of altered slate”.Sketch (ref 14) by P.G Stevens from page 13 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Gibbet Hill’. This is featured on page 158 of Crossing’s Guide.The view, taken from approx. SX503 811Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “If you were to place the left hand edge of this sketch on this page (158) of Crossing’s Guide, you would see that the one is a continuation of the other. Ger Tor is the nearest named feature and stands as a sentinel overlooking the entrance to Tavy Cleave. Fur Tor and Black Ridge are twice as far away on the remote area of the northern moor”.Sketch (ref 15) by P.G Stevens from page 14 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Gibbet Hill’. This is featured on page 159 of Crossing’s Guide. Note the ‘white circle’ in the bottom right of the sketch, showing where the original had once been pinned.The view, taken from approx. SX503 811Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “This sketch continues the panoramic view of Gibbet Hill, working from north to south, and therefore it can be placed alongside the 2nd sketch on page 158 of Crossing’s Guide. Cut Hill is in the far distance with Fur Tor on its near left. The dark area (in the sketch) on the slopes of Linch Tor (now Lynch), represents the trees of South Common Plantation. Bagga Tor is not as prominent and separate as depicted in the sketch”.Sketch (ref 16) by P.G Stevens from page 14 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Gibbet Hill’. This is featured on page 159 of Crossing’s Guide. Another ‘pin mark’ is shown in the bottom left of this sketchThe view, taken from approx. SX503 811Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “The chief interest of Gibbet Hill is the wonderful picture seen from its summit” (Crossing’s Guide, page 159). This is the fourth in a series of five sketches depicting the panorama to the east. The skyline is featured to the exclusion of any foreground detail, which is a pity, as the broad valley of the River Tavy below presents a beautiful contrast to the rough moorland beyond”.Sketch (ref 17) by P.G Stevens from page 15 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Gibbet Hill’. This is featured on page 160 of Crossing’s Guide.The view, taken from approx. SX503 811Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “The hill obtains its name from the hideous object said once to have been erected here. The road over the down..had the evil reputation of being infested with highwaymen, and this hill being within view of it…was deemed a fitting place on which to expose the bodies of malefactors who had suffered at the hands of the law. North Hisworthy Tor is less obvious than the drawing suggests, but with clear visibilty, it can be easily identified now by the communications mast on the summit”.Lydford District P.G. Stevens sketchSketch (ref 18) by P.G Stevens from page 15 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Watern Oke, Looking E’. This is featured on page 175 of Crossing’s Guide.The photograph of the sketch was taken at the eastern edge of Watern Oke, looking east at SX566834A re-creation of the P.G. Stevens sketch with a 21st century photograph. There will have been minimal changes in this area from that which Stevens observed. The only additions would have been Military boundary stones, range poles and huts; none of which are shown in the photograph. n the pocket guide, it states: “The spot from which this drawing was made must have been close to the Bronze Age Settlement which is located on this north bank of the River Tavy. The sketch does not attempt to show that this river bends sharply right around the Meads and is joined at Sandy Ford by the Amicombe Brook coming in from the left. The walk up Tavy Cleave to this location from Lane End (SX 537823) is reputedly one of the most dramatic on Dartmoor”.Summary of three P.G Stevens sketches from the Okehampton DistrictSketch (ref 19) by P.G Stevens from page 16 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Moor Brook, Looking S’. This is featured on page 199 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX591 930Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “The Moor Brook itself is rather more defined than indicated in the sketch and has a rough military track alongside it to the right. Row Tor is a little less angular than the drawing suggests and set a little more to the left. The flag pole clearly indicated in the sketch is out of all proportion and is probably shown only because Crossing specifically mentions it in his text”.Sketch (ref 20) by P.G Stevens from page 16 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From High Willes’. This is featured on page 202 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX581 894Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “The sketch could never hope to have captured just how impressive this view can be, and how different it can look on each visit. Wherever you stand, it seems impossible to line up all the features as depicted in this sketch! Moreover, Metheral Hill, which clearly is visible between Cosdon and Steeperton Tor is completely missing! Perhaps P.G.S left it out deliberately just because it is featureless?”Sketch (ref 21) by P.G Stevens from page 17 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From High Willes’. This is featured on page 203 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX580 891Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “The view from here is both panoramic and spectacular. Great Kneeset, below Cut Hill, is shown as if it were a rocky as Fur Tor, but it is not. Perhaps the shading was to indicate the blackness of the peat which covers the whole area. The high point to the right of Hangingstone Hill is Whitehorse Hill. These days, Hangingstone Hill is distictive because of the army observation on top”.Chagford and Moreton District P.G. Stevens sketchesSketch (ref 22) by P.G Stevens from page 17 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Walla Brook Clapper, Looking West’. This is featured on page 257 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX653 871Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Apart from the more recent growth of a small, lonely hawthorn tree by the bridge itself, the view to the west remains unchanged. The ridge to the left of Wild Tor is in fact higher than the tor itself, yet the sketch does not give this impression. The wall on the left marks the furthest boundary of what was Teignhead Farm, now abandoned and in ruins”.Sketch (ref 23) by P.G Stevens from page 18 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From near Warren House Inn, Looking E’. This featured on page 261 of Crossing’s Guide.The photograph of the sketch was taken a short distance behind and uphill from the Warren House Inn, looking east. Taken at SX673 806A re-creation of the P.G. Stevens sketch with a 21st century photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “The telephone lines to Headland Warren is a more recent addition to the scene. The sketch omits the ancient pound on the slopes of Birch Tor. The obvious track in that location is more recent. The central dark area on the middle horizon (below Grimspound) is the nearest the sketch comes to depicting the scars left by earlier mining activities. The tips of the conifer trees emerging from the W. Webburn valley beyond Challacombe are part of the more recent Soussons plantation”.Bovey Tracey District P.G. Stevens sketchesSketch (ref 24) by P.G Stevens from page 18 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Holwell Down, Looking E’. This featured on page 312 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX737 766Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “This location is best approached on the country road from Bovey Tracey to Widecombe. If you stop at Harefoot Cross and take up a position on the slopes above the road, the view to the north-east is very similar to the sketch, except that Emsworthy Rocks should be in line with Haytor Rocks, with Holwell Tor and Smallacombe Rocks on the left. In any event the view is quite spectacular!”Sketch (ref 25) by P.G Stevens from page 19 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Holwell Down, Looking E’. This featured on page 313 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX73 76Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Although Rippon Tor is roughly south of Holwell Down, the sketch was probably not made from that location, but more likely from the slopes of Top Tor, above Harefoot Cross. The foreground suggests this, as does the alignment of the wall which disappears over the left shoulder of Rippon Tor. The Nutcracker was well known for its logan stone, but unfortunately this was vandalised in the 1970s, and is no longer marked by name on recent OS maps”.Sketch (ref 26) by P.G Stevens from page 19 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From half-way up Widecombe Hill, Looking N’. This featured on page 314 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX726 767Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Widecombe Hill is famous, along with Tom Pearse’s old gray mare, in the song about Widecombe Fair. The dry stone wall in the right foreground is on the far side of the road. The view has changed little, apart from the increased vegetation and the red-tiled house which has been built since. Bel Tor now appears as Bell Tor.Ashburton District P.G. Stevens sketchesSketch (ref 27) by P.G Stevens from page 20 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Bel Tor, Looking W’. This featured on page 337 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX69 73Recreation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Judging by the absence of foreground detail, this drawing was probably done from the track to the west of the walled enclosure. This drawing is interesting in that it is the only one which clearly indicates the time of day (ie sunset) and, in view of the position of the sun itself, two possible times of year – either early spring or late autumn. The high ground behind Combestone Tor is Down Ridge”.Brent and Ivybridge District P.G. Stevens sketchesSketch (ref 28) by P.G Stevens from page 20 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Holne road, W. of reservoir, Looking N.N.E’. This featured on page 359 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX68 71Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “This sketch was probably drawn from a standpoint near to where the original course of the Holne Moor leat is interrupted. Between this point where the leat disappears, and Sharp Tor, is the Double Dart gorge with the track to Rowbrook, now metalled, leading down into it. Mil Tor is now Mel Tor. Bel Tor in this location should not be confused with Bell Tor which is below the distant Chinkwell Tor and therefore hidden by the nearer horizon!”Sketch (ref 29) by P.G Stevens from page 21 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Holne road, W. of reservoir’. This featured on page 360 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX683 713Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “The vantage point for this sketch must have been up the hill at a point about 75 yards beyond where the Holne Moor Leat disappears down a pipe by the roadside. The long ridge of Bench Tor dominates the near horizon. On the right there is now a prominent group of trees on the far horizon between Rippon Tor and Buckland Beacon. Distant Hay Tor can be seen, but over the top of what must be Saddle Tor”.Sketch (ref 30) by P.G Stevens from page 21 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Holne road, W. of reservoir’. This featured on page 361 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX670 718Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Combestone Tor is satirically known as ‘the tourist’s tor’, because of its proximity to the country road which links Hexworthy with Holne. The view from this tor overlooks another of the tourist ‘hot spots’ – Dartmeet. Nevertheless, this is a beautiful spot overlooking the double Dart gorge. If you wish to walk to the facilities at Dartmeet, then be warned – you can cross the West Dart only over stepping stones and then only at low tide!”Sketch (ref 31) by P.G Stevens from page 22 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Hickaton Hill, Dean Prior, Looking S.W’. This featured on page 366 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX670 667Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “There is a well marked, grassy track from the lane at Lud Gate (SX684 673) straight up over the shoulder of Pupers Hill, and on the ford below Huntingdon Warren. The sketch is accurate but represents a very wide angle of view – about 100 degrees. No buildings have survived at Huntingdon Warren, only the surrounding enclosures. East and West Whittabarrow (now E. and W. White Barrow) are beyond the River Avon, which is now dammed further downstream”.Sketch (ref 32) by P.G Stevens from page 22 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Petres Cross, Looking N.W’. This featured on page 371 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX653 654Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Petre’s Cross is no longer a cross. Around 1847, the granite upright was used as a roof support in the now ruined house that was erected on the top of Western White Barrow as sheltered accommodation. Prominent in the foreground now is the conical spoil tip of the Red Lake China Clay works. N. Hisworthy Tor, the nearest named feature, is eight miles away – whereas Great Links Tor is approximately fifteen miles distant and therefore less often actually visible”.Sketch (ref 33) by P.G Stevens from page 23 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Green Hill, Looking S.S.E.’ This featured on page 373 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX636 677Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Green Hill was probably so called because it was considered to provide some of the best pasturage on the moor. A track passes Green Hill on the left and on the right, almost due east of Green Hill, above Blacklane Brook, is Duck’s Pool. Here, in addition to the letter-box, is the memorial plaque to William Crossing, which reads:- IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM CROSSING, AUTHOR OF MANY INSPIRING BOOKS ON DARTMOOR, WHOSE GUIDE IS A SOURCE OF INVALUABLE INFORMATION TO ALL LOVERS OF THE MOOR. DIED 3RD SEP 1928 AGED 80”.Sketch (ref 34) by P.G Stevens from page 23 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Butterdon Hill, Looking N.E.’ This featured on page 394 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX655 586Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “There are three cairns on Butterdon Hill and it would appear that this sketch was drawn from the one on the summit. There are at least three distinct folds of land on the moor itself beyond the cairn to the left, including the high features of Dean Moor and Brent Moor. To the south of this location is Western Beacon which is the most southerly prominence on Dartmoor”.Sketch (ref 35) by P.G Stevens from page 24 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Butterdon Hill, Looking N.’ This featured on page 395 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX655 586Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Approaching from Ivybridge, access to the open moor is through a field system, off the Harford Road above the main-line railway bridge, and is known as the beginning of the Two Moors Way. The first part of the path provides a gentle climb up to the saddle between Weatherdon and Butterdon Hills. Hangershell Rock is only half a mile distant and really much more of a feature than the sketch suggests”.Sketch (ref 36) by P.G Stevens from page 24 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Tristis Rock, Looking N.’ This featured on page 401 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX638 602Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “This location is best approached from the Erme Valley, following a path up the right bank. After a gate in the walled enclosure, cut up to the left. The two rock piles soon become visible, from which the view, as depicted in the sketch, is wonderful. Hugging the rounded bottom of the valley below Sharp Tor is Piles Copse, one of only three remaining ancient oak woods. Tristis Rock is sometimes known as Hall Tor”.Sketch (ref 37) by P.G Stevens from page 25 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Southern slope of Stalldown Barrow, Looking S.S.E.’ This featured on page 402 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX636 614Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “The point at which this sketch was drawn must have been determined by the visibility of distant Ugborough Beacon on the near horizon, and by the general alignment of Tristis Rock with Tor Rocks. Obviously the River Erme was visible then, but it has since become completely obscured by increased vegetation. Butterdon and Weatherdon Hills are not as separate as the drawing suggests. Also, two of the cairns on Weatherdon Hill are clearly on the skyline”.Sketch (ref 38) by P.G Stevens from page 25 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Broad Rock, Looking S.E.’ This featured on page 409 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX618 673Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Broad Rock is a remote spot on the course of the Abbot’s Way on the southern slopes of Great Gnat’s Head. The rock itself, inscribed with its name and the boundary mark BB, does not really justify its name. The area is best approached from Nun’s Cross Farm (SX605 698). The bleak view down the Erme Valley from Broad Rock remains the same within the scope of the sketch. However, to the left a new, man-made feature has emerged, that of Red Lake china clay spoil tip”.Sketch (ref 39) by P.G Stevens from page 26 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From near Broad Rock, Looking N.W.’ This featured on page 409 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX618 673Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “The view from this position to the west of Broad Rock is panoramic to the south and west, with views of Plymouth and the sea beyond, and with the Cornish moors visible on a clear day, away to the west. From this distance, it would never have been possible to make out the individual buildings of Yelverton as the sketch might suggest, and today the village is camouflaged by trees”.Sketch (ref 40) by P.G Stevens from page 26 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From near Broad Rock’ This featured on page 410 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX617 673Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “This sketch represents the view from a position to the west of Broad Rock. Eylesbarrow is the most prominent feature, since it is just the other side of the Plym valley and therefore much closer than the other named features. From this position, North Hessary Tor, now with its tall mast in evidence, is in direct line with Great Mis Tor beyond. Roose Tor is now Roos Tor”.Plympton and Shaugh District P.G. Stevens sketchesSketch (ref 41) by P.G Stevens from page 27 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Whitehall Corner, Looking E.’ This featured on page 427 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX57 62Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Whitehall Corner (now Whitehill) no longer exists as far as the general public is concerned! The Cholwichtown Clay Works shown in the sketch have since expanded almost beyond belief. By courtesy of Mr. Brown, the area site manager, I was given a comprehensive tour of the whole works, including what was once Whitehall Corner. From this location a huge spoil tip completely obscures Pen Beacon (now Penn), although Shell Top is still visible to the left”. Note: the view is from around 50-75m from Whitehill Corner to get Penn Beacon into shot.Sketch (ref 42) by P.G Stevens from page 27 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Blackaton Cross, Looking N’. This featured on page 428 of Crossing’s Guide.The photograph of the sketch was taken slightly west of Blackaton Cross, looking north from SX571 630A re-creation of the P.G. Stevens sketch with a 21st century photograph. The only changes in the 120 years (or so) since the original sketch are the trees around Trowlesworthy Warren and the mast on North Hessary. Note some to the spellings of the names of the tors and hills as used by Stevens. In the pocket guide, it states: “Cadover Bridge (SX555 646) is on the country road between Meavy and Wotter. Immediately on the left is a metalled road which is only shown as a track on the map, but which has been improved in order to take ECC traffic. At the entrance to Lee Moor China Clay works, the view behind has hardly changed at all. Trowlesworthy Warren is rather more extensive now than depicted, the North Hessary Tor now has its distinctive mast on top”.Sketch (ref 43) by P.G Stevens from page 28 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From near Cadaford Bridge’. This featured on page 429 of Crossing’s Guide.The photograph of the sketch was taken slightly east of Cadover Bridge and a few metres up the slope of a old turfed spoil tip (this was to get Hen Tor into view as it was being obscured by the trees at Trowlesworthy Warren House). The view is from SX556 645A re-creation of the P.G. Stevens sketch with a 21st century photograph. There are some significant changes in the 120 years (or so) since the original sketch with trees around Trowlesworthy Warren and in the Brisworthy area. Note some to the spelling of Legis Tor tor as used by Stevens. In the pocket guide it states: “Cadaford (now Cadover) Bridge allows the country road from Meavy to Cornwood to cross the River Plym. Wherever you stand the river never looks quite like its depiction in the sketch. Maybe the original standpoint has been obliterated since the whole landscape to the south has radically changed as a result of the clay workings. Wheras the distant horizon has not changed to the north, the metalled road, overhead power lines and prefabricated buildings close by are all recent developments”.Sketch (Ref 44) by P.G Stevens from page 28 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Cadaford Bridge’. This featured on page 430 of Crossing’s Guide.The photograph of the sketch was taken from Cadover Bridge at SX555 646A re-creation of the P.G. Stevens sketch with a 21st century photograph. There are some significant changes in the 120 years (or so) since the original sketch with trees around Trowlesworthy Warren and in the Brisworthy area. Also, the original sketch had Shell Top as being quite ‘pointed’, no doubt artistic licence. In the pocket guide, it states: “If you stand on the bridge to review this sketch, the River Plym will seem more prominent than in the drawing. The building on the far left under Hen Tor was once a warrener’s house at Trowlesworthy Warren. After years of neglect it has recently been revived and extended as a pony-trekking centre. The rest of the distant view can hardly have changed at all”.Yelverton District P.G. Stevens sketchesSketch (Ref 45) by P.G Stevens from page 29 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From near Roborough Rock’. This featured on page 445 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX515 671Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “The view from this location overlooking Roborough Rock has changed considerably since the sketch was drawn. The buildings on the outskirts of Yelverton are much the same, but the road was completely eradicated by the R.A.F during the 2nd World War, although here there is extensive vegetation visible now. In the sketch, some artistic licence has been used – Cocks Tor is in fact six miles away and Pu (now Pew) is about four miles away”.Sketch (Ref 46) by P.G Stevens from page 29 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From near Roborough Rock’. This featured on page 445 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX515 670Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “The only way to experience this view is to proceed a little way up the hill alongside the country road which runs due south from Roborough Rock. The trees in the foreground are very extensive today and virtually obscure the main A386 Plymouth to Tavistock road. The village of Dousland has been developed considerably over the years, but remains at least partially hidden by trees. As with many of these sketches, the more distant features have been exaggerated to help identification – North Hessary Tor is in fact six miles away”.Sketch (Ref 47) by P.G Stevens from page 30 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From near Roborough Rock’. This featured on page 446 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX515 669Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “If you walk up the minor road to the south of Roborough Rock, the additional height achieved allows you to see the trees to the east. The field system shown in the sketch on the slopes of Yennedon Down is now largely built-up, forming the outskirts of Dousland. On the left, the trees of Burrator Plantation are now visible below Lether Tor. Down Tor only just appears over the horizon, and is not as prominent as shown in the sketch”.Sketch (Ref 48) by P.G Stevens from page 30 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From summit of Peak Hill, Looking N.E’. This featured on page 452 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX556 699Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Hart Tor is rather insignificant below the horizon the right of Sharp Tor. On a clear day, the mast on top of North Hessary Tor can be seen over the top of Sharpitor. The main difference in the scene today is the encroachment of the conifer plantations, to the extent that Raddick Farm depicted on the slopes of Raddick Hill, has long since been abandoned and lost to view”.Sketch (Ref 49) by P.G Stevens from page 31 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From summit of Peak Hill’. This featured on page 453 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX556 699Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “This sketch depicts the view facing south-east. We see Burrator Reservoir as it was before the level was raised in 1928.The buildings shown in the left foreground are probably Vinneylake Farm, now abandoned and overwhelmed by the conifer plantations which now virtually surround the reservoir. Today, there is one addition to the far horizon. To the right of Trowlesworthy Tors, the flat topped spoil tips of Lee Moor china clay works are clearly visible”. Sketch (Ref 50) by P.G Stevens from page 31 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Pond on Peak Hill looking N’. This featured on page 453 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX557 706Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “The quarry on the right is Swelltor Quarry. Below it, contouring around King Tor, the trackbed of the Princetown branch railway line from Yelverton can be seen. This was closed under the so called ‘Beeching axe’ in 1956, but it has recently been revived as a cycle track. Brent Tor is in fact well off the moor beyond Tavistock, but from this location appears to be part of it”. Unfortunately, there are two errors here from the pocket guide, namely; a) King Tor is actually called King’s Tor and b) The Princetown branch line wasn’t a ‘Beeching axe’ as this didn’t occur until from 1963 onwards, around 7 years after the line closed (March 1956)Sketch (Ref 51) by P.G Stevens from page 32 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Pond on Peak Hill’. This featured on page 454 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX557 706Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “The pond in question is just to the right of the B3212 road as it levels off after its climb up onto the moor from Yelverton. The modern road is only slightly more obtrusive as it falls out of sight towards Princetown whose church tower can still just be seen, despite the fact that a copse of evergreen trees is gradually obscuring this feature”.Hexworthy District P.G. Stevens sketchesSketch (Ref 52) by P.G Stevens from page 32 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Pond on Peak Hill’. This featured on page 457 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX654 726Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “The Forest Inn, which must have been immediately behind P.G.S when he drew this sketch, re-opened for business in August 1992, following several months of closure. Corndon Tor is obscured by Yar Tor from this position and so it must be Corndon Down that is immediately visible to the left. Today the mature trees in the foreground partly obscure the middle distance, but not enough to see that the layout of the hills and valleys is rather different from that depicted in the sketch!”Sketch (Ref 53) by P.G Stevens from page 33 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From the road at the top of Dartmeet Hill, looking due S’. This featured on page 460 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX682 734Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Sharp Tor, Bench Tor and the slopes of Yartor Down on the right appear about right, although the view is more to the south-east than due south. Holne Moor is the high ground beyond Paignton Reservoir (now obscured from view by the encircling band of trees). The sketch also suggests some obvious enclosures on the near slopes of Bench Tor, no evidence of which exists today!”Sketch (Ref 54) by P.G Stevens from page 33 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From the road near Huccaby Cottage’. This featured on page 461 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX661 735Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Huccaby Cottage is now somewhat modernised, is the last house on the right after climbing up the hill from Dartmeet on the main B3357 road towards Two Bridges. There is considerably more vegetation now on this side of the Dart valley, so that Huccaby Farm in the centre foreground looks less like an oasis, and Huccaby House, further down, is now almost totally obscured. In this sketch, there is no sign of the country road that runs down past the farm to Hexworthy bridge”Sketch (Ref 55) by P.G Stevens from page 34 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Swincombe Newtake, looking N. by N.E’. This featured on page 463 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX637 728Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Approaching the Swincombe Valley from the country road above the Forest Inn at Hexworthy, extensive ancient walled enclosures of ‘newtakes’ appear on both sides of the valley. If you walk along the SWWA access road up the valley as far as Fairy Bridge footbridge, the remains of Swincombe Farm and surrounding newtakes are just on the right. Follow the grassy path leaving the farm, for a little way and the features of this sketch will come in line. Today, the tree line of the Bellever Plantations can be seen on the horizon”.Postbridge District P.G. Stevens sketchesSketch (Ref 56) by P.G Stevens from page 34 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Lakehead Hill, looking N.E’. This featured on page 469 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX64 78Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Apart from the wide grassy strip over the top of the hill, beginning at Kraps Ring Settlement, this whole area has become part of the Bellever Forestry Plantations. Both Assycombe Hill (which P.G.S. left out of his sketch!) and White Ridge are now on the perimeter of the Fernworthy Plantations and the two areas of tree-lined horizon have changed the scene quite significantly anyway. The houses on the left of the road are now surrounded by mature trees.Sketch (Ref 57) by P.G Stevens from page 35 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Soussons Common, looking W’. This featured on page 472 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX67 79Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Soussons Common (now Soussons Down) is now a Forestry Plantation and so it would be futile to try and find the exact location from which this sketch was drawn. However, the area to the west of the country road at Ephraim’s Pinch allows a reasonable alternative. The extensive plantations around Bellever have also transformed the view. Bellever Tor is two miles distant, whereas Beardown and Longaford Tors are four miles away”Sketch (Ref 58) by P.G Stevens from page 35 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Soussons Common, looking N.E’. This featured on page 473 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX67 79Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Since all Soussons Common is covered with conifers, the view depicted by this sketch no longer exists. The three distant features are virtually unchanged and can be seen from a point south east of Ephraim’s Pinch (SX679 784) where there is rising open grassland. The country road, which follows the perimeter of the plantation down the hill to Runnage Bridge, meets the main B3212 road above Postbridge at the bottom of Merript Hill”. NOTE: The author was fortunate enough to to find a clearing in the plantation from which the above photograph was taken, which lines up quite well with the original sketchSketch (Ref 59) by P.G Stevens from page 36 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Meripit Hill, looking S.W’. This featured on page 474 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX662 801Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Meripit is now Merripit. Princetown Church is actually six miles away and deliberately enlarged for the purpose of identification. The village of Postbridge is obscured by the trees in the foreground and the road to Princetown is now the B3312. The whole of the central area from Bellever to this road below Lakehead Hill is now covered in conifer plantation, thus transforming this view”Sketch (Ref 60) by P.G Stevens from page 36 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From road at Lakehead Hill, looking W. to N.W’. This featured on page 478 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX634 771Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Powder Mills was the necessary remote location chosen for the dangerous production of gunpowder during the 19th century, supplying the mining and quarrying industries. One of the two remaining chimneys is depicted – the other (and the main row of houses, now a craft centre) – is situated to the left. The building on the right is now in rather more ruinous state. The dotted lines below Longaford Tor are dry-stone walled enclosures or newtakes”Sketch (Ref 61) by P.G Stevens from page 37 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From near Archerton, looking N.N.E’ on page 479 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX641 794Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Starting from Postbridge, Drift Lane is the well-marked path between the East Dart on the right and the enclosures of Archerton on the left. The view from the hill looking back over the Dart valley corresponds exactly with the sketch. New to the horizon are the tops of conifer trees on White Ridge and on Assycombe Hill to the right of Stannon Tor. These are on the perimeter of Fernworthy Plantations”Sketch (Ref 62) by P.G Stevens from page 37 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Cut Hill, looking N.’ on page 479 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX598 827Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Now that Cranmere is relatively accessible from the military road, Cut Hill which is the third highest point, must arguably be the most remote feature on the northern moor. Hangingstone Hill is the same height and it is interesting that, in this sketch, this name is used, rather than its old name Newtake, which is used in two of the sketches (pages 485 and 486)”Sketch (Ref 63) by P.G Stevens from page 38 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From 1/4 mile west of E. Dart Head.’ on page 480 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX603 854Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “If you are approaching Cranmere Pool from the south, the view to the north is spectacular. Cranmere itself was first mentioned as Crawmere-pool in Polwhele’s Historical Views of Devon in 1793. A few years later, in 1802, Mr E.A. Bray (later vicar of Tavistock) noted the so-called pool was in fact dry! It is supposedly haunted by a former Mayor of Okehampton who appears as a black colt or as an ugly dwarf known as Binjie Gear”Sketch (Ref 64) by P.G Stevens from page 38 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Little Kneeset, looking N.E’ on page 481 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX586 843Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Bearing the shape of Great Kneeset in mind, the more westerly, but lower part of this ridge to the south is clearly Little Kneeset. If you are making for Cranmere Pool (a point beyond the horizon in this sketch), then the best route from Fur Tor is through the Peat Pass over the higher part of the ridge, and the longer pass over the summit of Black Ridge. These are known as Phillpotts Passes and are marked at either end with a standing stone each bearing a metal plate inscribed as follows:- THIS STONE MARKS A CROSSING THROUGH THE PEAT, WHICH MAY BE OF USE TO HUNTING AND CATTLEMEN; THE CROSSING WAS MADE BY FRANK PHILLPOTTS WHO DIED OCTOBER 1909. IT IS KEPT UP IN HIS MEMORY BY HIS BROTHER AND SON”Sketch (Ref 65) by P.G Stevens from page 39 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From southern slope of Ockment Hill, about 1/4 mile S.E of summit’ on page 482 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX604 874Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “These days, approaching Cranmere Pool from the north is the easiest way because it is possible to reach the top of Okement Hill by car, using the road from the moor gate (now a cattle grid) by the military camp above Okehampton. Okement Hill is easily recognisable by the army lookout bunker on top. This location is just over a mile from Cranmere Pool ‘as the crow flies’, but rather more if travelling through the Peat Pass and following the West Okement river”. Note: Of course cars can no longer use the military ring road to Okement Hill as it was closed on 18th September 2009Sketch (Ref 66) by P.G Stevens from page 39 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From near summit of Newtake’ on page 485 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX616 861Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “Cranmere Pool became distinctive in 1854 when James Perrott of Chagford built a cairn there and placed a bottle in it for the receipt of visitors’ cards, thereby establishing the first ‘letter-box’ on the moor. By the 1950s there were other letter-boxes on the southern moor. They were so-called because it had become traditional to stamp a self-addressed postcard, leave it in the box, and remove and post any cards left there by the previous visitors”Sketch (Ref 67) by P.G Stevens from page 40 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From Newtake, 1/3 m. S. of summit’ on page 486 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX616 855Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “This sketch would be useful if you were approaching Cranmere Pool from the west, say Scorhill Down. Newtake in this case was Newtake Hill, now always known as Hangingstone Hill, and distinctive these days for the army observation post on top. There was no accurate count of the number of walkers, who found Cranmere Pool until two Plymouth-based ramblers, Mr H.P. Hearder and Mr H. Scott Tucker, placed a visitors’ book there in 1905. By December 1908, 1.741 signatures had been recorded that year alone”Sketch (Ref 68) by P.G Stevens from page 40 of the ‘POCKET GUIDE to the tors and hills of DARTMOOR’, titled ‘From near E. Dart Head’ on page 488 of Crossing’s Guide.The view taken from SX608 855Re-creation of the original sketch with a modern photograph. In the pocket guide, it states: “This location is not a particularly pleasant one for the walker because of the ground underfoot – basically peat bog with islands of turf! However, there is little alternative if Cranmere Pool is your objective and you are approaching from the direction of Fernworthy or Postbridge in the south-west. Foresland Ledge is now Fordsland Ledge. The spectacular valley between this and Amicombe Hill is the dramatic route that the West Okement river takes off the north-western edge of the high moor”
